Fantasy/Urban Fantasy

mom, Tristan can normally shapeshift at will, but now he is trapped in human form by day and forced to transform into a sea otter at night. Martin Carpenter had aimed the curse at Tristan’s adopted older brother, Aran, a thousands-year-old immortal whose vitality is linked to the sea. But even Aran’s considerable skill cannot reverse the witch’s curse. The old man may be more powerful than he appears. Tristan is still resentful that Aran walked away from the family sixteen years ago. Regardless of his reasons for leaving, Aran has returned to protect Tristan and vows to help him undo the curse, even if it will cost Aran his immortal life and soul.

“Bound in Blood” is mythical fantasy with a touch of depravity. It is not an easy read. The plotline is littered with unexplained references between the major characters, some of them remaining a mystery to the very end. Tristan’s new girlfriend, Susannah, is petulant and abrasive. Tristan’s parents seem perpetually detached, leaving one to wonder why he holds Aran, who clearly has his own issues, solely responsible for his loneliness. When Tristan, Aran, and Susannah team up to solve Tristan’s problem, their actions are often disorganized and counter-productive, such as going on an inland hike without enough water or into the underground tunnels without Iire. With inscrutable characters, inconsistent decisions, and underdeveloped background, the author’s thoughts are difIicult to follow. Further editing to remove errors and clarify how past events affect the present, could transform this into a smoother read.

Joan Lai

On the day Eliza Carroll mourns the death of her grandmother, she is also informed her parents have secured a husband for her. Devastated, Eliza Iinds solace in the gardens. But upon trying to befriend a lovely rabbit, she inadvertently falls into a hole that lands her in another world! There, she discovers the rabbit is actually a handsome man named Finn, who is tasked to take her to the Red Court where she will be crowned the next “Alice” - the savior of Wonderland. As bizarre as it sounds, Eliza realizes she is not dreaming and the dangers are all too real. With the knights of the White Court chasing them, Eliza must determine how to save a world, keep her head, and Iind her heart - all before everything falls apart.

In this creative retelling, Ms. Van Dyke has brought new life and a lovely bit of romance to the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, revitalizing and reimagining the story in a whole new way. While all the characters are obvious, each has been transformed into living, breathing people which gives the story a bit of realism readers can grasp onto. While we follow Eliza and Finn, we also are treated to a creative take on the events that keep Wonderland alive in her Iight to return home. While the set-up, characters, and overall story are not new, the twists on each trope and character are fun and inventive enough that the reader stays engaged and enjoying the ride! It is a story Iilled with action, adventure - all wrapped up in a romance that is deliciously delightful!